ISSUE
Friday, April 10, 2026
Volume 17 . Issue 14
The BusinessNZ Network and leaders across New Zealand’s export sector are calling on all political parties to support the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), explaining the country risks missing a significant economic opportunity.
An open letter published today, shared by The BusinessNZ Network and signed by 28 exporters and industry associations, highlights the urgency of progressing the deal as global uncertainty, rising protectionism, and ongoing supply chain disruptions reshape international trade.
“New Zealand relies on global markets to drive growth, support jobs and lift incomes. That only works when there is consistency and confidence in our trade settings. That’s why we’re making this call to all political parties today,” said BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.
“This agreement opens the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and creates real opportunities for New Zealand exporters. We cannot afford to delay this deal.”
The open letter has been signed by businesses such as Zespri KiwiFruit, Wools of New Zealand, Sea Food New Zealand, Maori Kiwi Fruit Growers, New Zealand Apples and Pears, Business Central among many others.
The letter outlines that reduced trade barriers under the proposed agreement would directly benefit key sectors including horticulture, sheep meat, seafood, wine, honey, wood products, seeds and natural fibres, as well as machinery, digital technology, and services.
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan said the agreement is ultimately about supporting those driving the country’s export economy.
“India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is on track to become the third largest by 2030. Securing fair access to a market the size of India’s backs our farmers, growers, manufacturers, innovators and service providers, as well as the communities that depend on them.”
Tan added that opportunities of this scale are rare and stressed the importance of maintaining New Zealand’s bipartisan approach to trade.
“This agreement was hard-fought and represents our best chance to secure meaningful access to one of the world’s most important growth markets.
“Businesses want to see the agreement signed and into force as quickly as possible. Now is the time for Parliament to get behind it.”
The full open letter and supporting material are available on ExportNZ’s website.
The BusinessNZ Network and leaders across New Zealand’s export sector are calling on all political parties to support the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), explaining the country risks missing a significant economic opportunity.
An open letter published today, shared by The BusinessNZ...
The BusinessNZ Network and leaders across New Zealand’s export sector are calling on all political parties to support the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), explaining the country risks missing a significant economic opportunity.
An open letter published today, shared by The BusinessNZ Network and signed by 28 exporters and industry associations, highlights the urgency of progressing the deal as global uncertainty, rising protectionism, and ongoing supply chain disruptions reshape international trade.
“New Zealand relies on global markets to drive growth, support jobs and lift incomes. That only works when there is consistency and confidence in our trade settings. That’s why we’re making this call to all political parties today,” said BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.
“This agreement opens the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and creates real opportunities for New Zealand exporters. We cannot afford to delay this deal.”
The open letter has been signed by businesses such as Zespri KiwiFruit, Wools of New Zealand, Sea Food New Zealand, Maori Kiwi Fruit Growers, New Zealand Apples and Pears, Business Central among many others.
The letter outlines that reduced trade barriers under the proposed agreement would directly benefit key sectors including horticulture, sheep meat, seafood, wine, honey, wood products, seeds and natural fibres, as well as machinery, digital technology, and services.
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan said the agreement is ultimately about supporting those driving the country’s export economy.
“India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is on track to become the third largest by 2030. Securing fair access to a market the size of India’s backs our farmers, growers, manufacturers, innovators and service providers, as well as the communities that depend on them.”
Tan added that opportunities of this scale are rare and stressed the importance of maintaining New Zealand’s bipartisan approach to trade.
“This agreement was hard-fought and represents our best chance to secure meaningful access to one of the world’s most important growth markets.
“Businesses want to see the agreement signed and into force as quickly as possible. Now is the time for Parliament to get behind it.”
The full open letter and supporting material are available on ExportNZ’s website.
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